Whereas, it is represented to Congress that the Inhabitants of the States of Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations are distressed for want of bread, and cannot obtain supplies except from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina; And whereas, a private trade for grain and flour between the said States might be injurious and ineffectual,
Resolved, that it be recommended to the executive powers of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, at their discretion, to permit the executive powers of Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island & Providence Plantations to purchase and export, under proper regulations, such quantities of grain and flour as they may judge expedient and may be able to spare respectively.
Extract from the Minutes.